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| Canyoneering | 3.50 Miles |
1,588 AEG |
| | Canyoneering | 3.50 Miles | | | |
| 1,588 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | What a fun way to get down to the Colorado River! I was in Page for Arizona Trail work and one of the locals that I met on one of my river trips this summer,Rob, took me out hiking. We were originally supposed to hike from Page to Lee's Ferry, but it was too bitter cold. We were joined by Karlyn and Burl for three smaller hikes. They saved the best for last!
We parked close to the rim and things almost immediately got interesting, hiking down steeply angled sandstone and following the metal poles. Then you get to a pole that looks like the world drops off beyond it, but the scramble down to the next slabs isn't too bad. There is exposure, but the sandstone is grippy.
The "Rope" part of the trail looks a lot worse from the top than it is. Bring gloves and be careful to avoid frayed metal. Once down the cable, we hiked upstream along slabs to a set of petroglyphs near a camping area complete with metal fire rings and a bathroom. These petroglyphs were totally trashed, it was pretty depressing. Bunch of pumpkin jerks.
There was river access by the camp area so I said hello to the river (see you downstream this summer!). It was so cold outside that the water didn't feel as cold as usual. The river was in shade and it was in the 20s, so we didn't stay long. Karlyn had steam rising from his shoulders on the ascent, it was pretty funny.
The hike up felt a lot less exposed than the way down. Plenty of places to catch your breath and admire the river. Karlyn told us all sorts of history of the area, he's been hiking here since he was a boy scout. What a place to have as a playground as a kid! As someone who grew up in the suburbs of the midwest, among malls and cities, it always amazes me to think of the adventurous places some kids get to experience growing up.
This was a great hike and would be a great short but steep overnighter. I can't wait to explore this area some more. Fortunately, I'm planning a Cinco de Mayo Arizona Trail Days event to be held at Antelope Point Marina, so I'll be back before long. |
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Route Editor
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